[Considerations] Switching to Pre-Med

[SoulWind]

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Hi all!

Several long-standing pharmacists have talked me into looking at pre-med. Right now I am literally in the midst of applying for pharmacy school; however, I would like to see whether or not medicine is actually feasible for me. Does anyone have recommendations on how to begin the application process? I still need to figure out which schools I will apply to, if any. I appreciate all input!

If it matters, my s/cGPA is ~3.6 and I should have most pre-requisites for the average medical school.

EDIT: To clarify, medical school has been in the back of my mind for awhile now. My biggest goal is a field that challenges me and knowledge of human physiology/medicine is absolutely fascinating to me. Of course, I want to help others as much as possible or the education will have been for naught. I feel that as a doctor of medicine I would best be able to make that difference.

 

[NervousNerd]

Greetings wonderful Pre-Med community!

Several long-standing pharmacists have talked me into looking at pre-med. Right now I am literally in the midst of applying for pharmacy school; however, I would like to see whether or not medicine is actually feasible for me. Does anyone have recommendations on how to begin the application process? I still need to figure out which schools I will apply to, if any. I appreciate all input!

If it matters, my cGPA is ~3.6 and I should have most pre-requisites for the average medical school.

You're missing one of the largest pre-recs: MCAT

Do you have physician shadowing? A drive or passion that motivates you to become a doctor?

Honestly if you are truly contemplating medicine, shadowing a physician is the first and most vital step.

 

[Ismet]

Before you even start considering what schools you want to apply to, you need:
1) the MCAT
2) clinical experience
3) shadowing
4) an actual desire to go into medicine, not just something people talked you into doing

 

[FutureOncologist]

Before you start applying like *that* you need to realize that shadowing a pharmacist or working in a pharmacy doesn't count towards anything, unless the pharmacist made rounds in a hospital and visited patients, then that could be *sold* as clinical exposure. But you're looking at a year or two for taking the MCAT, volunteering, shadowing, and exploring whether or not you want to go to medical school.

 

[ems2doc]

1. Pre-reqs? Are all of them completed and did you get good marks?
2. sGPA? Your cGPA is okay (on the lower side for accepted students), but sGPA is really important too.
3. Clinical Experience? Pharm doesn't count. Shadowing? (MDs and/or DOs in a clinical environment)
4. Research Experience? Depends on what med schools you're applying. Some absolutely require it while at others it's just a really good thing to have.
5. Volunteer Work?
6. Legitimate desire to go into medicine? Empathetic?
7. MCAT - Have you taken it yet? If not, you should take an MCAT preparation class first, or at least read over prep-books.

 

[orangetea]

I mean it's great to have taken pre-reqs, and the MCAT, and have a stellar gpa with > 1000 volunteer opportunities.

But I personally think that you should ask yourself why you want to pursue this path as opposed to PA, Nursing, Pharmacy school even. I am sure you are going to be a stellar applicant with many great attributes to offer to the field of medicine. But I also want to let you know that it's not really a career but more of a lifestyle, hence "practice". I know some people might roll their eyes and reply with a snarky remark.. but I truly think that if you won't genuinely LOVE what you will be doing.. medicine is not the right place for you. Best of luck with your decision and application process!

 

[moisne]

Why medicine? Why not pharm? You will have to address this.

 

[ems2doc]

Why medicine? Why not pharm? You will have to address this.

Yes, and very well too.
I was friends with a pre-dent (my school is small enough that everyone is clumped together as "pre-health"). He switched over to pre-med as a senior and didn't get in. Personally I thought he was one of the nicest, most compassionate people I've ever met. He had really good grades, MCAT score, volunteer work, research, and even clinical experience (EMT and ER scribe). Still, he couldn't exactly express what prompted the switch. That's why he didn't get in.

 

[SoulWind]

Fantastic. Thanks all for the great responses.

I looked at the MCAT and it seems that I still have time to study and do well on the exam for the next cycle. My biggest obstacle will be shadowing and clinical experience. I don't know where I would begin to pursue those opportunities, and that will take a fair bit of time. I always kept Pre-Med in the back of my mind, because I could never answer the question: "why pharmacy and not medicine?" I think someone asked as well, my sGPA is also around ~3.6; not great but hopefully not a huge burden either.

More that anything I am passionate about how medicine works and human physiology. I think that passion can be channeled into a profession that benefits the well-being of others.

Cheers all for the help.

 

[Conflagration]

Well, something to note; in 2015, the MCAT is changing format to include psychology and biochemistry as well.

So, if you need a few months, you may end up studying for a new test. Just something to know.

I am also a potential c/o 2020 person. 🙂

I'd kill for a 3.6 in both categories. I still struggle with the "why medicine" tidbit as well. For me, I have a similar reason- I feel like I want to do research dealing with melding medicine and math, and I'd like to be able to help people at the same time.

KA has some wonderful videos that I have just found out about; and if you still have pre-reqs to do, then that's a good thing to know. Also, they have some MCAT videos that they made with the AAMC.

Best of luck! Who knows, if you end up in NC, we may be classmates. 🙂

 

[SoulWind]

Well, something to note; in 2015, the MCAT is changing format to include psychology and biochemistry as well.

So, if you need a few months, you may end up studying for a new test. Just something to know.

I am also a potential c/o 2020 person. 🙂

I'd kill for a 3.6 in both categories. I still struggle with the "why medicine" tidbit as well. For me, I have a similar reason- I feel like I want to do research dealing with melding medicine and math, and I'd like to be able to help people at the same time.

KA has some wonderful videos that I have just found out about; and if you still have pre-reqs to do, then that's a good thing to know. Also, they have some MCAT videos that they made with the AAMC.

Best of luck! Who knows, if you end up in NC, we may be classmates. 🙂

Thanks for the response!

I should be able to do well on the MCAT with minimal preparation. I will struggle most on the General Chemistry since it was 3 years ago. Everything else I have tutored others at some point other another. If I am able to set up shadowing ASAP, do I stand a chance for the class of 2019? I can finish the prerequisites, MCAT, LORs, and overall application without any issue. I worry that the lack of shadowing experience will hurt me the most.

I appreciate the well wishes! Hope you do well with your application and perhaps we will in fact see each other at NC.